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Celebrating Cinco de Mayo All Week

Love Cinco de Mayo? There's no reason to limit the celebration to one day. And you don't have to be Mexican to enjoy the culinary arts of this Mexican holiday. In fact, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated more in the United States than it is in Mexico.

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the victory of the Mexican Army over the French at the Battle of Pueblo on May 5, 1862. Chowing down on nachos, flan, and tacos seems a fitting tribute, and cooking students can give a special twist to the celebration.

Though there is no set menu for Cinco de Mayo, the traditional Mexican foods of guacomole, enchiladas, chilaquiles, vegetables and salsa feature prominently in any Cinco celebration. You might also see more unique traditional fare, like Menudo soup, which calls for a calf's foot and honeycomb tripe. Don't have one of those handy? Try making some plantain chips-- peel and thinly slice up a couple plantains (part of the banana family), fry in yellow oil, and salt to taste.